Day 93 - Back into the Woods
Day 93: Algiers Point → Will’s Point
Date: October 9th, 2022
LRM 94 → LRM 68
Distance today: 26 miles
River Time: 9.5 hours
Local Gauge: 2.5 New Orleans Gauge
Today I awoke to a beautiful moon setting over the French Quarter of New Orleans, and soon after I got on the water, a stunning sunrise. A sure sign that it’s almost the full moon.
The first 4 hours of my day paddling were brutally difficult. I pointed my nose into the direct headwind and went for it. Again, complicating matters were docks, and barges on shore, forcing me more toward the middle of the channel. I would have preferred to stay as close to the bank as possible.
I wasn’t able to put down my paddle for more than 5 seconds or the waves would quickly start pushing me where I didn’t want to be. Around 10 a.m., I slowly but surely rounded a bend that, inch by inch, turned the wind into a crosswind. Sweet relief.
I was finally able to grab a bite to eat, check my messages, and give my arms a rest. The day got a lot better after that. One great thing that happened is that after 12-Mile Point, the barges fleeted on the shore disappeared — I was finally able to be right next to the shore, and I took advantage of this for the rest of the day as a wind block.
There were still ocean-going ships that were anchored — I passed 40 or 50 of them throughout the day. However, they leave a lot of space between where they sit and the shore, plenty of room for a canoe to squeeze by.
I paddled lightly for a while, resting but still making decent progress. I was ecstatic to see the willow trees, wildflowers, animals, and sand on the shores. It was very refreshing to have these by my sides for the first time since just below Baton Rouge.
Wills Point
My goal for today was Wills Point. To get there, I paddled past a bit more industry on my right, but forest on my left. In the anchorage areas, there would sometimes be 10 ocean-going vessels in a line. It looked just like a parking lot. Very orderly.
After the revetment ended, I began looking for my site. Landings were a mixture of sand and mud, but mostly sand. However, the trees and forest beyond looked great! There were a few alligators in the area prowling around, but not nearly in the numbers of the Alligator Lagoon campsite I had last week.
I picked the least muddy and most sandy landing I could find, and decided this was home. It was still very muddy.
I made it to my goal of 26 miles today — all that could be hoped for in these conditions. Despite the more modest mileage, it was a full day’s work. I am proud of my progress today!
That insect is a velvet ant (cow killer, cow ant). And it’s actually a wingless wasp with a powerful sting.
Stunning photos of the moonset and sunrise. Other photos also interesting! It’s been a treat to read about your journey! Thanks for sharing your adventure.
Good luck on the last few days of your voyage. 🛶 🍁🌞